Book Review: Daredevil, Volume 4 (Mark Waid)

Daredevil, Volume 4 by Mark Waid

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The book begins with Matt Murdoch (Daredevil) recovering from an ordeal in Latveria at the end of the previous book. This requires some skill by the master of many sizes, Hank Pym. No sooner is he back than New York than Foggy reports finding the remains of Matt's father (assumed to have been lost when the Mole Man went on a morbid scheme.)

It appears Matt's going crazy or someone's trying to drive him that way. Foggy believes Matt lied to him and dissolved their partnership.

However, Foggy ends up needing Matt's help or Daredevil's rather when he's called on to defend a poor nurse who has was accused of murdering her boss in a locked room mystery. However, when Matt's ex-wife appears in his apartment and Foggy finds she's never left the asylum, Matt's sanity is never in more question.

There is plenty to like about this collection. The relationship and tension between longtime best friend Foggy Nelson is handled very well by Waid, as it's realistic and poignant. It feels like a very real human relationship.

The mystery and build up to the solution is also well-handled and very tense, with a lot of psychological drama.

On a more mixed note, we have the solution which I won't give away, but it's kind of in-between cheesy and disgusting, with a lean towards cheesy. Though, this goes along with the Dark Silver Age feel of the series.

On a somewhat more confusing note, I have to comment on the appears of Matt's institutionalized ex-wife Milla. The book includes Matt having sent her letters that he "thinks of you every day and misses you." This is somewhat odd given his pursuit of a relationship with an assistant DA and a fling with the Black Cat. However, this may just be adding depth to his character.

Overall, a solid read and I await Vol. 5.



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